Common sense and raw beauty on how a sapphire appears to you is what will matter the most in the
end. Here are the main points you want to review for “grading”.

It must be pleasing to your eye. Whether it be blue, pink, yellow, Padparadscha, or unique sapphire
colors, this is the first priority in purchasing a sapphire. Color is subjective, but usually on beautiful
things most people agree. Something with a good purity of color that shows well in all lighting
conditions is what will usually be in high demand, and hence cost more than a sapphire with mixed
color tones.

Treated sapphires cost MUCH less than stones that are untreated (they should if you are buying from a
reputable source). At The Natural Sapphire Company we only try to offer 100% untreated sapphires.
There are so many different types of treated sapphires. If you would like to learn more about the many
types of treatments please refer to the “before and after photos” section.

If you can see inclusions within the sapphire easily this will bring the value down. If you can’t see
anything at all within the stone then this will be very rare, as sapphires will almost always have some
internal visual inclusions.

Zoning, or sometimes referred to as “color-zoning” is when the color intensity or color purity is not
uniform throughout the sapphire. If you can see more color on one side but less on another side of a
stone this should decrease the price.

The size of a sapphire will have a good amount of influence over its price vs. a smaller stone of similar
attributes.
• 1-2 carat sapphires in fine quality are quite rare. Medium to lower qualities are not very uncommon.
• 3-4 carat sapphires in fine quality are difficult to replace. Medium to lower qualities are available
but not in large quantities.
• 5-7 carat sapphires in fine quality are very rare and almost impossible to match or replace. Medium to
lower qualities are rare in this size as well.
• 8-10 carat sapphires in fine quality are one of a kind, no two stones are the same, reliable supply is not
possible to maintain. Medium to lower qualities are rare and difficult to obtain as well.
• 10+ carat sapphires in fine quality are usually referred to as “Important” as they are always one of a
kind, extremely expensive in blue, pink and rare colors. These stones are for the lucky and fortunate,
not just the wealthy. Just to see these types of sapphires in person is referred to as a privilege.

The origin of a sapphire can have significant value determination. Sapphires have historical references in
history and culture from particular locations that can weigh heavily on their values today. Burmese and
Ceylon (Sri Lankan) sapphires have been characterized as fine sapphires in Europe for centuries, but
Kashmir sapphires now have elite status, as they are no longer being found or mined.

• A Major Note of Opinion from The Natural Sapphire Company on origin: With our excellent and
thorough experience in working with sapphires and sapphire jewelry we have determined that origin
cannot be conclusively decided in sapphires. We offer fine quality untreated sapphires so we understand
them very well. We do not put value on a sapphire based on the “origin” of the stone. It is our
experience that FAR too many inconsistencies and crossover identity issues exist between all sapphires,
making it almost impossible to definitively state the origin of a sapphire.

• Many (if not all) laboratories will tell you that they can in fact determine the origin of sapphires, but it is
our experience that they are NOT consistent and reliable results. One very prominent and famous
laboratory, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) does not offer origin determination on sapphires.
While they may not state why they do not offer this service; it is our conclusion that they do not want to
report on things that cannot actually be reported on. If you look at the disclaimer on most laboratory
origin reports they do not accept liability for results on origin determination. If a laboratory certifies a
sapphire as a “Kashmir” origin the stone is worth 10 times its value if it is from another origin. This
extreme price difference does not make sense if so many flaws on origin reporting exist.

• The Natural Sapphire Company does not recommend or advocate spending premiums for stones
based on origin determination from a laboratory. We specify the origin of our sapphires in our listings.
These are based on our supplier and mine location where we know the sapphires originated.
Determining if a sapphire has been treated or not is usually very easy and we highly recommend only
purchasing sapphires that are untreated. Since we have found so many inconsistencies on origin
determinations we no longer purchase sapphires or sell sapphires with a price based on origin status
from a laboratory report. What is truly naturally beautiful and rare is valuable.